Jefferson Animal Hospital opens blood bank

Jefferson Animal Hospital and Regional Emergency Center recently opened its own pet blood bank. And it will host a drive this weekend to find donors to help build its inventory.

The blood bank opened about six months ago, according to hospital director Dr. Pat Kennedy Arrington. The decision to open the bank made a lot of sense for the practice from a business perspective.

Blood transfusions for pets are common in trauma cases, surgeries and some cancer treatments, she said. Before opening the bank, her practice would purchase blood from banks as far away as California. But she said demand is so strong that it often was difficult to keep enough on hand.

The practice invested about $25,000 to open its bank. A big portion of that costs was a $15,000 centrifuge, which separates blood from plasma. There were other equipment and supplies costs as well.

Hospital officials expect to recoup those costs within a year, she said. It will save on blood purchases and shipping costs, which she said were significant, particularly for overnight shipments.

Eventually, Arrington hopes to supply other veterinary practices in the area. She noted that the hospital already had done so when it purchased blood from other banks.

There is no licensing process for opening a blood bank for pets. But Arrington said four of the animal hospital’s employees there went though a certification process related to opening the bank. They also visited other blood banks for training purposes.

Donor drive

Jefferson Animal Hospital will host a spring health fair at its Fern Creek location, at 6902 Bardstown Road, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Pets can be screened as potential donors at the fair. Eligible animals will be asked to donate four times per year in exchange for free vaccinations, tests and other wellness exams, she said. Donors who already have a vet will be given a credit of some type, though the exact details haven’t been finalized, she said.

The company is especially looking for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds and are between 1 and 6 years old. Feline blood is also being sought, though the need is not as great. You can check the company’s website for more information.

Screenings can be done by appointment.

Jefferson Animal Hospital also has a location on Outer Loop. It has operated as a 24-hour hospital for the last 34 years.